DRS June 4: BCCI sacks Suryakumar Yadav, Auqib Nabi for Siraj & Virat Kohli's return date revealed

Just days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) capped off a historic IPL 2026 campaign by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final and becoming only the third franchise to win back-to-back titles, the focus has shifted to Team India’s future.

The BCCI is busy planning for multiple formats, with leadership changes, workload management and squad transitions coming in. Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly set to lose the T20I captaincy despite leading India to World Cup glory, while Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a leading contender to take over. Mohammed Siraj’s workload remains under assessment, Prince Yadav and Auqib Nabi are pushing for opportunities, and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future is under scrutiny as India begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and other senior stars are set to regroup for the Afghanistan series, while New Zealand has unveiled a blockbuster 12-match India tour for late 2026.

Suryakumar Yadav sacked by BCCI

India are reportedly set for a major leadership change in T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad ahead of the Ireland and England tours. Despite leading India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title, Suryakumar’s batting has dipped massively since taking over as captain, and a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign appears to have accelerated the decision. The BCCI, selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are now expected to identify a new captain, with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan emerging as the leading contenders for the role. Read more here.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s return date revealed

India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup will resume with the Afghanistan ODI series, with several senior players gathering in Mullanpur for a three-day training camp from June 9. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya and newly-capped Prince Yadav are among those expected to attend while the Test squad takes on Afghanistan. The spotlight will be on Rohit Sharma, who is returning from a hamstring injury and needs clearance from the BCCI medical team. Read more here.

Auqib Nabi for Siraj?

Mohammed Siraj is unlikely to feature in India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, with the team management expected to take a final call on his workload within the next 48 hours. The Gujarat Titans pacer has played continuous cricket over the last two months, including the entire IPL 2026 season and India’s T20 World Cup campaign. If Siraj is rested, Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is the leading candidate to replace him in the squad. Nabi, who impressed in domestic cricket and is currently training as a net bowler with the Indian team, could finally earn his maiden international call-up after missing out on the original squad. Read more here.

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Agarkar, Gambhir disagree on SKY’s replacement

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly backing him for the role. Despite past reports of disagreements between the two, Shreyas’ recent rise as a leader, including his successful stint with Punjab Kings, has strengthened his case. However, the decision may not be straightforward, with head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly having different preferences. Axar Patel, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are also in contention. Read more here.

India practice before AFG Test

India’s full squad finally assembled in Mullanpur on June 3 ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with Mohammed Siraj easing concerns over his availability. Despite workload management discussions after a busy IPL 2026 season, Siraj bowled at full intensity in the nets and looks set to feature in the match alongside Prasidh Krishna. Among the net bowlers, tall pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed by troubling KL Rahul with extra bounce, while Jammu & Kashmir quick Auqib Nabi maintained impressive discipline. The team management also paid close attention to all-rounder Harsh Dubey’s batting. Meanwhile, captain Shubman Gill faced reserve pacers in the nets, while Mayank Yadav focused solely on fitness work.

New Zealand vs India schedule released

New Zealand Cricket has announced a blockbuster home season for 2026-27, headlined by India’s all-format tour in October and November 2026. India will play 12 matches across formats, including five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, making it the biggest inbound tour in New Zealand cricket history. The series will be massive for both teams, with the ODI leg serving as preparation for the 2027 World Cup, while India will also seek revenge for their 2024 home Test whitewash. The tour will be followed by Sri Lanka’s visit in early 2027, while New Zealand Women will host Bangladesh Women in December 2026. Read more here.

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